Mobilization Of Reserves Research Articles

Fasting/re-feeding and water temperature promote the mobilization of body reserves in juvenile freshwater carnivorous catfish Lophiosilurus alexandri

We investigated the effects of water temperature and fasting on physiological and metabolic parameters of juvenile pacamã (Lophiosilurus alexandri). Fish subjected to fasting for 15 days followed by re-feeding for five days in two water temperatures (28 and 24 °C) were sampled after fasting and after re-feeding and compared to fish that did not experience fasting under the same temperatures. Glucose and triglyceride levels decreased during fasting for fish at both water temperatures (P < .05). Plasma cholesterol decreased during fasting for the fish submitted to 24 °C. Both plasma glucose and cholesterol remained low for fish submitted to 24 °C. There was an increase in liver lipid levels and a decrease in the hepatosomatic index (HSI) (P < .05) for fasted fish at both temperatures. However, liver lipid levels returned to the level of the respective fed fish after re-feeding while the HSI of fasted fish remained lower after re-feeding compared to the continually fed fish. Hemoglobin and hematocrit increased in fasting fish at 24 °C; after re-feeding both parameters remained at high values (P < .05). In conclusion, different water temperatures and fasting promoted the mobilization of body reserves in juvenile L. alexandri, and caused changes to hematological variables. Re-feeding for five days was not sufficient for the recovery of these body reserves and the hematological variables, especially for the fish submitted to the lower water temperature of 24 °C.

The cryoprotectant PVS2 plays a crucial role in germinating Passiflora ligularis embryos after cryopreservation by influencing the mobilization of lipids and the antioxidant metabolism

Cryopreservation is a process whereby biological structures are preserved in liquid nitrogen (−196 °C) without losing their viability. Many cryopreservation techniques use the Plant Vitrification Solution 2 (PVS2) for cryoprotection. This study will therefore evaluate the influence of different exposure times to the cryoprotectant PVS2 and discuss the importance of the mobilization of reserves and the antioxidant metabolism during the germination of cryopreserved Passiflora ligularis embryos. The composition of P. ligularis seeds was analytically determined. We tested the germination capacity and the Germination Speed Index (GSI) of embryos (that is, seeds without external tegument) which were exposed to different PVS2 exposure times (0, 30, 60 and 120 min) at 30 days after thawing. Proline content, hydrogen peroxide, activity of isocitrate lyase (ICL), malate synthase (MSy), lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, CAT, APX) were measured at 7, 14 and 21 days after cryopreservation. The germination from cryopreserved embryos was maximal (85%) after 60 min PVS2 exposure with a GSI of 0.6. At 60 min, the highest activity of the enzymes involved in the glyoxylate cycle, ICL and MSy were recorded. We hypothesize that a 60 min exposure to PVS2 accelerates the reserve mobilization which correlates positively with germination. Until 60 min, there was a positive correlation between the PVS2 exposure time and the proline content, as well as the activity of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, APX), and a negative correlation with the lipid peroxidation. This study enables us to optimize the long-term conservation of this species. In conclusion, fundamental research is necessary to optimize the cryopreservation procedure, and this study offers an effective and efficient workflow which can be extrapolated to other (oil-rich) species.

Salicylic acid alleviates arsenic and zinc toxicity in the process of reserve mobilization in germinating fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) seeds

To improve plant growth and increase yield and crop quality, the farmer uses many organic or mineral substances. The presence of extensive mineral substances causes high concentrations of heavy metals. Among these heavy metals we can find arsenic (As) and zinc (Zn). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the physiological parameters (the growth, nutrient elements, soluble sugars contents, etc.) and the enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidative systems in radicles and cotyledons of Trigonella foenum-graecum L. after treatment with 0, 3 of Na2HAsO4·7H2O and 5 mM of ZnSO4 for 72 h of germination. As and Zn treatment caused a significant reduction of radicle and cotyledon growth, chlorophyll and carotenoid contents, the accumulation of mineral nutrients (K, Ca, and Cu), soluble proteins and free amino acids in cotyledons, as well as the activities of hydrolytic enzymes (amylase and phosphatase). The increasing As and Zn concentration resulted in the stimulation of SOD, CAT, APX, and GR activities. The detrimental effects of As and Zn were reversed after applying 0.2 mM salicylic acid (SA), causing an increase in radicle growth, soluble sugar, protein and free amino acid contents in cotyledons and radicles. Similarly, the activities of hydrolytic enzymes (α- and β-amylase) were enhanced. On the other hand, cell viability declined, even after the addition of SA. These results suggest that SA may improve fenugreek seedling growth by providing protection against the toxic effects of heavy metal stress caused by As and Zn.

Hindbrain Estrogen Receptor Regulation of Ventromedial Hypothalamic Glycogen Metabolism and Glucoregulatory Transmitter Expression in the Hypoglycemic Female Rat

Neural substrates for estrogen regulation of glucose homeostasis remain unclear. Female rat dorsal vagal complex (DVC) A2 noradrenergic neurons are estrogen- and metabolic-sensitive. The ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus (VMN) is a key component of the brain network that governs counter-regulatory responses to insulin-induced hypoglycemia (IIH). Here, the selective estrogen receptor-alpha (ERα) or -beta (ERβ) antagonists MPP and PHTPP were administered separately to the caudal fourth ventricle to address the premise that these hindbrain ER variants exert distinctive control of VMN reactivity to IIH in the female sex. Data show that ERα governs hypoglycemic patterns of VMN astrocyte glycogen metabolic enzyme, e.g. glycogen synthase and phosphorylase protein expression, whereas ERβ mediates local glycogen breakdown. DVC ERs also regulate VMN neurotransmitter signaling of energy sufficiency [γ-aminobutyric acid] or deficiency [nitric oxide, steroidogenic factor-1] during IIH. Neither hindbrain ER mediates IIH-associated diminution of VMN norepinephrine (NE) content. Both ERs oppose hypoglycemic hyperglucagonemia, while ERβ contributes to reduced corticosterone output. Outcomes reveal that input from the female hindbrain to the VMN is critical for energy reserve mobilization, metabolic transmitter signaling, and counter-regulatory hormone secretion during hypoglycemia, and that ERs control those cues. Evidence that VMN NE content is not controlled by hindbrain ERα or -β implies that these receptors may regulate VMN function via NE-independent mechanisms, or alternatively, that other neurotransmitter signals to the VMN may control local substrate receptivity to NE.

Phenotyping for stem reserve mobilization efficiency under heat, drought and combined stress along with defoliation in wheat (Triticum aestivum)

The present study was conducted to determine genotypic variations for stem reserve mobilization efficiency in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under drought, heat and combined stresses along with defoliation. Genotypes (43) were evaluated under 4 field conditions namely, timely sown irrigated (control), timely sown rainfed (drought), delayed sown irrigated (heat) and delayed sown rainfed (combined heat and drought) by cutting off all leaf blades (defoliation) at 12 days after anthesis. The traits recorded were stem reserve mobilization efficiency (SRE), harvest index (HI), grain weight (GW) and specific weight (Sp. wt). In timely sown and delayed sown environment condition the average maximum temperature was 24.7°C and 30.4°C during flowering to maturity stage respectively. The average soil moisture under control, drought, heat and combined stress was 14.46, 6.68, 16.87 and 7.78% respectively. SRE was found significantly higher under drought stress followed by combined stress, control and heat stress. The correlation analysis revealed Sp.wt at 12 DAA was highly positively correlated with the GW. The trait SRE was highly positively correlated with HI. Combined analysis for all stresses showed that HD 4728, Duram 1, Chiriya 3, HD 2851, HD 2329, DBW 43 had highest and Hindi 62, WL 711, GCP 23, HD 2967, GCP 2, Kalyansona had lowest SRE. Genotypes were also grouped into different clusters based on their SRE. The genotypes with higher SRE can be used in breeding programmes or directly used as cultivars under drought, heat and combined stress conditions.

Radiotracer and radiation application for rapid measurement of contribution of stem assimilates towards grain filling and for alleviating terminal heat stress in wheat

Contribution of stem photoassimilates towards grain filling may have significance under stress, since it may force the plant to initiate an early leaf senescence, thereby limiting the availability of flag leaf photosynthates for grain filling. Radiotracer feeding of 14C-sucrose to the internode by stem injection method at 20 days stage after anthesis and measurement of 14C activity in grains at 5 days after foliar application of potassium iodide, meant to inhibit current photosynthesis by inducing leaf senescence, showed a gradual decline in flag leaf chlorophyll but an increase in accumulation of 14C particularly in the basal spikelet grains. However, a reduction in grain filling at all the sink positions within the wheat ear was measured with hastened leaf senescence. On the other hand, abiotic stresses such as high temperature stress, is known to cause an abortion of the basal florets in wheat and induce an early flag leaf senescence. We have earlier shown that seed gamma irradiation, at 0.1 kGy causes an increase in grain mass at middle and basal spikelet positions. In this paper we report that the reduction in grain yield in response to terminal heat stress can be compensated by gamma irradiation, owing to better stem reserve mobilization into the basal and middle spikelet under condition of stress induced senescence.

Effects of Pre-Anthesis Drought, Heat and Their Combination on the Growth, Yield and Physiology of diverse Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Genotypes Varying in Sensitivity to Heat and drought stress

Independent and combined drought and heat stress negatively affect wheat yield and physiology. The present study was aimed to quantify effects of Drought [D], heat [H] and combined heat and drought [HD] during reproductive stage on wheat yield and to identify physio-biochemical traits which were strongly associated with improved yield and tolerance of wheat under stressful conditions. One hundred and eight elite diverse wheat genotypes were exposed to [H], [D] and [HD] treatments from heading till maturity. Grain yield was reduced by 56.47%, 53.05% and 44.66% under [HD], [H] and [D] treatment, respectively. The [HD] treatment affects the grain yield by reducing metabolism and mobilization of reserves to developing grains and leaves. Disintegration of membrane structure, chlorophyll and protein molecules was higher under [H] stress than [D] stress while water status of genotypes and sink strength was more affected by [D] than [H] stress. Multivariate analysis showed a strong correlation of chlorophyll content before and after anthesis, water-soluble carbohydrates (WSC), proline content (PC) and all other studies agronomic and physiological traits with grain yield while days to anthesis (DTA) and days to maturity (DTM) were negatively associated with grain yield under stress showing advantage of early maturity during stress. Traits having a major contribution in the first two principal components under different stress treatments may lead to improved varieties with heat and drought stress tolerance. To best of over knowledge, the present study is the first detailed study which used physiological and biochemical traits to explain the variation in grain yield and related traits in diverse wheat germplasm.

Standardization of procedure for assessing terminal drought stress tolerance induced by foliar spraying of potassium iodide and identification of promising castor germplasm using the developed procedure

Castor cultivated as a rainfed crop in southern India experiences terminal drought stress with cessation of monsoon. Stem reserves act as an important source of carbon for the seeds getting filled when photosynthesis is inhibited by drought and therefore, the ability to mobilize stemreserves towards economic yield is an important trait in selection for terminal drought tolerance. Potassium iodide (KI), a chemical contact canopy desiccant induces leaf desiccation by reducing chlorophyll content and can be used to simulate the conditions of terminal drought stress. This property could be employed for assessing the genotypic variability for stem reserve mobilization trait. During kharif 2015-16, in RG 1826, a genotype that had been identified earlier for root and drought tolerance, KI was sprayed @ 0.2-1.0% at 50% filling of capsules on primary spikes or 1.0-3.0% at 50% filling of capsules on tertiary spikes separately as two sets of foliar sprays. KI spray @1.0% at both the stages recorded total leaf desiccation, less seed yield reduction in primary (16%) and tertiary (29%) order spikes. Hence, 1.0% KI was taken as the optimum concentration to screen castor genotypes for terminal drought stress tolerance. During late rabi 2016-17, 12 germplasm lines with known drought tolerance (moisture stress induced between 30 and 90 DAS) ability and better root growth characters along with two checks were sown and at 100 DAS, KI was sprayed @ 1.0%. Four genotypes, viz., RG82, RG89, RG111, RG1437 with high stem reserve mobilization characterized by &lt;30% reduction in total seed yield and &lt;20% reduction in HI were identified as promising for terminal drought tolerance.

Seed size and burial depth influence Zostera marina L. (eelgrass) seed survival, seedling emergence and initial seedling biomass development.

Seed burial in the sediment is critical for successful seedling establishment in seagrasses because it protects from predation and dispersal into unsuitable sites, and it may enhance germination by exposing the seeds to suitable germination stimuli. However, relatively little is known about the fate of buried seeds and their ability to emerge from greater depths. The goal of this study was to determine seed survival in the sediment, seedling emergence success and initial seedling biomass of Zostera marina in relation to burial depth and to evaluate if large seeds, having larger energy reserves, are more tolerant to burial than small seeds. Seeds from a perennial Z. marina population were buried at 7 different sediment depths (0.1–8 cm), and seeds sorted by size (large and small) were buried at depths of 2, 4 and 6 cm in outdoor mesocosms. Total seedling emergence after 2 months was significantly affected by seed burial depth, with maximum values in the top 2 cm of the sediment (48.1–56.7% of planted seeds), and a marked decline below 4 cm depth to only 5% seedling emergence at the deepest burial depth of 8 cm. Moreover, seeds had shorter time to emergence from shallow compared to deep burial depths. At all burial depths, a small fraction of seeds (<10%) died after germination but before emerging, and 15–30% remained viable after 6 months. Seed mortality was the major limitation to seedling recruitment from the deeper burial depths. The effect of seed size on seedling emergence success and time was not clear, but heavier seeds displayed greater longevity and gave rise to seedlings of significantly higher biomass, indicating that the mobilization of metabolic reserves may be important during initial seedling development.

Changes in skeletal muscle thickness and echogenicity and plasma creatinine concentration as indicators of protein and intramuscular fat mobilization in periparturient dairy cows

High-producing dairy cows experience a state of negative energy balance in the periparturient period that is partially addressed by increasing the rate of fat and protein mobilization. Previous studies have focused on the rate of fat mobilization, and consequently the rate of protein mobilization has not been well characterized. The objective of this study was therefore to determine the change in indicators of muscle mass during early lactation using ultrasonographic measurement of muscle thickness and changes in plasma creatinine concentration. The maximum thickness of the gluteus medius and longissimus dorsi muscles of 106 Holstein cows (34 primiparous, 72 multiparous) was determined ultrasonographically on d -3, 0, 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28 relative to the day of parturition. Plasma creatinine concentration was measured periodically during the same period. Mixed models analysis and Passing-Bablok regression were used to analyze the data. Gluteus medius thickness, longissimus dorsi loin thickness (LDLT), and longissimus dorsi thoracic thickness (LDTT) were decreased at 28 d postpartum compared with d 3 antepartum. Plasma creatinine concentration was weakly associated with gluteus medius thickness, LDLT, and LDTT (Spearman's rho = 0.31, 0.39, and 0.32, respectively). Plasma creatinine concentration in primiparous and multiparous cows at 28 d postpartum decreased by 0.24 and 0.30 mg/dL, respectively, compared with values 3 d antepartum. We concluded that ultrasonographic measurement of LDLT and LDTT and change in plasma creatinine concentration may provide practical methods for monitoring the rate of protein mobilization in periparturient dairy cows. Ultrasonographic examination of LDLT and LDTT therefore complements ultrasonographic measurement of backfat thickness and may be useful in the evaluation of energy reserve mobilization in periparturient dairy cows.

Seed priming: An approach towards agricultural sustainability

Seed priming is controlled hydration of seeds to a level that allow pre-germinative metabolic activity to continue, but interrupt the emergence of the radicle. Seed priming improves seed performance, ensures uniformity and better establishment, enhances the yield in diverse environments, greater tolerance to environmental stress and helps to overcome dormancy. Change in seed water content, cell cycle regulation, modification of seed ultrastructure, management of oxidative stress and reserve mobilization are the major physiological and biochemical changes takes places during seed priming. Priming methods adopted should be simple and affordable for its easy spread and adaptability. Seed priming should be influenced by factors such as light, aeration, temperature, time and seed quality. Different methods of priming are hydropriming, osmopriming, halopriming, solid matrix priming, biopriming and hormonal priming. Seed priming had significant effect on agriculture. It will hasten and synchronize the germination, enhances the plant growth, have better stress resistance, increase the use efficiency of nutrients and water and have better weed suppression effect. The review paper discusses about seed priming, physiological and biochemical changes in seed priming, different methods of seed priming and its role in sustainable agriculture.

Comparative analyses of estimated and calorimetrically determined energy balance in high-yielding dairy cows

Our aim was to compare the energy balance estimated (EBest) according to equations published by various energy feeding systems (German Society for Nutrition Physiology, French National Institute for Agricultural Research, and US National Research Council) and the EB calculated by use of calorimetrically measured heat production (EBhp) of 20 high-yielding (≥10,000 kg/305 d) German Holstein cows at -4 (pregnant, nonlactating) and 2 wk (early lactation) relative to parturition. In addition to heat production, feed and water intake, physical activity (including standing-lying behavior), body weight, body condition score, body temperature, plasma concentrations of fatty acids and β-hydroxybutyrate, milk yield, and milk composition were measured to characterize the metabolic status. The EBhp was balanced [2.74 ± 4.09 MJ of metabolizable energy (ME)/d; ±standard error] before calving, but strongly negative (-84.7 ± 7.48 MJ of ME/d) at wk 2 of lactation. At both time points, EBhp and EBest differed significantly. On average, the equations overestimated the antepartum EB by 33 MJ of ME/d and underestimated the postpartum negative EB by 67 MJ of ME/d, respectively. Because the same ME intake and energy-corrected milk values were used for calculation of EBest and EBhp in our study, we considered that the factors (0.488 to 0.534 MJ of ME/kg0.75) currently used to calculate the ME requirements for maintenance probably underestimate the needs of high-yielding dairy cows, particularly during early lactation. In accord, heat production values determined under standard conditions of thermoneutrality and locomotion restriction amounted to 0.76 ± 0.02 MJ of ME/kg0.75 (4 wk antepartum) and 1.02 ± 0.02 MJ of ME/kg0.75 (2 wk postpartum), respectively. The expected positive correlation between EBhp and DMI was observed in pregnant cows only; however, a bias of 26 MJ of ME/d between mean actual energy intake and ME intake predicted according to German Society for Nutrition Physiology was found in cows at wk 4 antepartum. At both investigated time points, mobilization of tissue energy reserves (reflected by plasma fatty acid concentration) was related to EBhp. In early lactating cows, metabolic body weight (kg0.75) and the percentage of milk fat showed the strongest correlation (correlation coefficient = -0.70 and -0.73) to EBhp. Our findings must be taken into account when experimental data are interpreted because the true energy status might be significantly overestimated when EBest is used.

The formation of optimal logistical systems in the strategic management process of sustainable development of the enterprise

The process of formation of optimal logistical systems in the strategic management process of sustainable development of the enterprise has been found out. It is decisive for every year’s relevant, up-to-date process for the formation of optimal logistic systems for the process of strategic management of development of corporate business. The properties of the logistic system are presented, among which there are the following: integrity and separation; interconnection of elements; organization of a set of elements; integrative qualities; complexity; hierarchy; structuring. The tasks of estimating the economic efficiency of the logistical system have been singled out. They are such: formation of the concept of economic efficiency of logistical systems on the basis of the systems approach; detection of effect-forming factors; formation of the system of the economic efficiency indicators of the logistical system; development of methodology of quantitative estimation of economic efficiency indicators of the logistical system; development of methodology for qualitative estimation of economic efficiency indicators of the logistical system; development of the mechanism for distributing the economic effect between participants of the logistical process; revealing and mobilization of reserves in order to increase the economic effect of logistics. The basic principles of forming the optimal logistical systems in the strategic management process of sustainable development of the industrial enterprise, including integrity and separation, interconnection of elements, organization of a set of elements, integrative qualities, complexity, hierarchy and structuring, have been analyzed. For building up the optimal logistical systems, the enterprises, which are examined, have been suggested to create separate structural subdivisions, which will be accountable for the logistical direction. There are the main directions, which have been offered, of improving logistical systems to ensure the principles of sustainable development. These directions are regarding the economic component (commercial and sustainable, financial and sustainable, organizational and sustainable, production and technical and sustainable, and innovation and sustainable directions); regarding the social component (personnel and income sustainable directions); regarding the ecological component (resource and environmental sustainable directions).

Mobilization of fat body glycogen and haemolymph trehalose under nutritional stress in Bombyx mori larvae in relation to their physiological age and the duration of food deprivation

In insects, fat body glycogen and haemolymph trehalose are principal carbohydrate reserves. Here, in Bombyx mori (Linnaeus, 1758), we report an accelerated fat body glycogen accumulation in feeding 5th instar larvae, when they reach the terminal growth period (TGP). Haemolymph trehalose and glucose levels, however, fluctuated between 7–21 mM and 0.8–10 mM, respectively, depending on the larval physiological age. Food deprivation triggered a dramatic increase in mobilization of glycogen in larvae at TGP than at active growth period (AGP), mobilized almost 78% of stored glycogen at an initial 12 h of food deprivation, possibly by increasing the percentage of active glycogen phosphorylase, as observed. This rapid glycogen mobilization, along with meeting the energy demand of starving tissues, might also have provided glucose for trehalose synthesis, as evident by observed hypertrehalosemia. A prolonged food deprivation (24–48 h) triggered hypotrehalosemia along with an increase in the enzyme activity of trehalase, and the transcript level of trehalase-2, indicating the utilization of trehalose as an energy source for the demanding tissues. Further, in TGP larvae, a prolonged food deprivation increased the level of haemolymph glucose (1.8–3.5 mM) as well as glucose/trehalose ratio, and this suggests that the fat body might have released the glucose molecules directly into the haemolymph, instead of utilizing it for trehalose synthesis, possibly to minimize the expenditure of energy. Thus, short-term food deprivation triggered an initial glycogen mobilization whereas, prolonged food deprivation led to the utilization of trehalose as an energy source. Hence, mobilization of carbohydrate reserves varied depending on the larval physiological age and the extent of food deprivation period. The future investigation can expand our understanding on the role of glucose as an important haemolymph sugar along with trehalose.

Productive response to two concentrate allocation strategies in dairy cows grazing with restricted pasture allowance

The objective of this study was to compare the effects of two concentrate allotment strategies on the performance of dairy cows grazing on restricted pasture and supplemented with conserved forage. Dairy cows fed equal amounts of concentrate (fixed daily rate: 5.5 kg DM/cow) were compared to cows supplemented with concentrate according to their lactation stage as follows: 10.0, 5.0, and 1.5 kg DM/cow daily during early, mid, and late lactation, respectively (average daily dose: 5.5 kg DM/cow). There was a supplementation strategy × lactation stage interaction (P < 0.05) for energy-corrected milk (ECM). For early lactation cows, supplementation at a variable rate increased ECM yield by 14.61% (P < 0.05). There was a supplementation strategy × lactation stage interaction (P < 0.05) for body weight change. At late lactation stage, cows supplemented at a fixed rate gained weight (+ 0.16 kg/day), whereas those supplemented at a variable rate lost weight (- 0.08 kg/day; P < 0.05). No significant effect was found for body condition score. The prioritization of milk production rather than the attenuation of body reserve mobilization suggests that concentrate allowance based on lactation stage may be unsuitable for minimizing the negative energy balance in early lactation cows.

Effects of Azgp1−/−on mammary gland, adipose tissue and liver gene expression and milk lipid composition in lactating mice

The expression of Azgp1 gene, an adipokine involved in the mobilization of body reserves, was observed in mammary gland of ruminants. Its regulation by different dietary conditions suggests a potential role in the mechanisms controlling the composition of milk fat. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of Azgp1 during lactation. Azgp1−/− mice were compared to wild-type to determine its effects on milk fatty acid composition and offspring growth. To determine its effects on mammary gland, adipose tissue and liver gene expression, gene expression was analyzed using RT-qPCR via TLDA analyses. The body weight of Azgp1−/− mothers was slightly higher after parturition and at 10 days of lactation compared to the wild type. The milk polyunsaturated fatty acid content was increased in Azgp1−/− mice. Among the 40 genes studied, Azgp1−/− modified the expression of 9, 10 and 3 genes in mammary gland, adipose tissue and liver, respectively. These genes, involved in fatty acid synthesis, transport and triglyceride synthesis, were downregulated in Azgp1−/− mice showing a particularity during lactation. Changes in mammary gland gene expression may explain the modifications observed in milk fatty acid composition. This study supports a role of Azgp1 on lipid metabolism, in particular in mammary gland, during lactation function.

Radiofrequency cold plasma treatment enhances seed germination and seedling growth in variety CIM-Saumya of sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.)

Radiofrequency room temperature plasma method is a newly emerging physical seed treatment method for enhanced germination of various crops. The stimulatory effect of plasma exposure on sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) has been investigated. It is an oil-bearing aromatic crop cultivated in Indonesia, Egypt, Morocco, France, India, Greece, USA, and Hungary. Cold plasma seed exposure with different RF power such as T2 (30 W), T3 (90 W), T4 (150 W), T5 (210 W) and T6 (270 W) was applied to work out its effect on seed. The T4 (150 W) cold plasma treatment had the highest stimulatory effect on germination and vigor among all the studied doses of treatments. Increase in the germination and seedling vigor of sweet basil might be a consequence of the increases in water uptake, seed reserve mobilization and depletion rate at T4 treatment.

SEED GERMINATION AND RADICLE ESTABLISHMENT RELATED TO TYPE AND LEVEL OF SALT IN COMMON BEAN (PHASEOLUS VULGARIS L. VAR. DJEDIDA)

Saline soils contain multiple types of salt, each of them may exert a different effect on seed germination and seedling growth. The aim of this study is to assess the effects of five types of salt on the seed germination and radicle establishment of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L. var. Djedida). The experiment was set out as a factorial experiment based on completely randomized design with four replications of ten seeds for the seed germination and twelve replicates for the seedling growth. We used five kinds of salts (NaCl, Na2SO4, CaCl2, CaCO3 and KCl) with concentrations of 0, 100, 200 and 300 mM. Seeds were incubated in Petri dishes at 25°C, in the dark, for 10 days. The results of analysis of variance indicated that the effects of salt types and concentrations, and their interaction effect were significant in all measured traits (P&lt; 0.01). However, no significance effect was found on secondary roots number and seedlings dry biomass with CaCO3 treatment solution. According to the results, the inhibitory effects of the five salt types differed significantly. Indeed, germination of common bean seeds by various salts were in the order of NaCl &gt; KCl &gt; CaCO3 &gt; Na2SO4 &gt; CaCl2. However, the taproot length, the number of secondary roots and the seedlings dry weight by various salts were in the order of CaCO3 &gt; KCl &gt; NaCl &gt; CaCl2 &gt; Na2SO4. The effect of salt concentration was also obvious. The reduction in dry biomass of cotyledons is proportional to germination rates and to the development of seedlings in dry biomass and in size. Seeds of P. vulgaris var. Djedida were able to germinate under all concentrations of the various types of salt. The lowest final germination percentage (FGP) was obtained under 300 mM of all salts recording the following values: CaCO3 - 60%, NaCl - 60%, KCl - 52.5%, Na2SO4 - 50% and CaCl2 - 27.5%. During germination stage, the radicle emergence would be controlled by the environment osmolarity, while the later growth of the seedling would be limited by the reserve mobilization.

Human milk sIgA antibody in relation to maternal nutrition and infant vulnerability in northern Kenya.

BackgroundThe maternal buffering hypothesis posits that human lactation biology can buffer milk against the mild-to-moderate malnutrition that occurred routinely in evolutionary history through the mobilization of maternal body reserves. This perspective may provide insights for understanding human milk immune content variation, such as milk sIgA, which protects infants’ intestines from microbial colonization and prevents diarrheal disease.ObjectiveTo investigate how maternal delivery of sIgA to milk may vary in a way that can buffer milk against maternal malnutrition, while taking into consideration infants’ varying needs for immune protection across age or by sex.MethodologyA cross-sectional study analyzed archived milk specimens from breastfeeding mothers in Ariaal communities of northern Kenya surveyed during the 2006 Horn-of-Africa drought. Multiple regression models for ln-transformed sIgA were constructed using maternal nutrition, infant age/sex and their interactions as predictors. Maternal nutrition variables included iron-deficiency anemia (IDA), vitamin A deficiency (VAD) and mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC). Infant vulnerability was considered high in young age and/or male sex.Results and implicationsMilk sIgA did not significantly differ by maternal IDA. Milk sIgA increased with infant age and maternal MUAC (n = 202). Significant interactions were observed between infant age and maternal VAD and between infant sex and maternal MUAC, such that milk sIgA content was low for younger infants particularly among VAD mothers, while among mothers with low MUAC, sIgA was lower for male infants. Results imply that mothers’ ability to deliver/buffer milk sIgA may be lowered when nutritional stress is combined with high infant vulnerability to infection.Lay SummaryHuman milk sIgA antibody content was low for younger infants among vitamin A deficient mothers. Among mothers with small arm-circumference, milk sIgA was lower for sons. Double burden of raising young or male infants with high needs for immune protection and being malnourished, might lower maternal sIgA delivery to milk.

Comparison of performance and metabolism from late pregnancy to early lactation in dairy cows with elevated v. normal body condition at dry-off

Excessive mobilization of body reserves during the transition from pregnancy to lactation imposes a risk for metabolic diseases on dairy cows. We aimed to establish an experimental model for high v. normal mobilization and herein characterized performance, metabolic and endocrine changes from 7 weeks antepartum (a.p.) to 12 weeks postpartum (p.p.). Fifteen weeks a.p., 38 pregnant multiparous Holstein cows were allocated to two groups that were fed differently to reach either high or normal body condition scores (HBCS: 7.2 NEL MJ/kg dry matter (DM); NBCS: 6.8 NEL MJ/kg DM) at dry-off. Allocation was also based on differences in body condition score (BCS) in the previous and the ongoing lactation that was further promoted by feeding to reach the targeted BCS and back fat thickness (BFT) at dry-off (HBCS: >3.75 and >1.4 cm; NBCS: <3.5 and <1.2 cm). Thereafter, both groups were fed identical diets. Blood samples were drawn weekly from 7 weeks a.p. to 12 weeks p.p. to assess the serum concentrations of metabolites and hormones. The HBCS cows had greater BCS, BFT and BW than the NBCS cows throughout the study and lost more than twice as much BFT during the first 7 weeks p.p. compared with NCBS. Milk yield and composition were not different between groups, except that lactose concentrations were greater in NBSC than in HBCS. Feed intake was also greater in NBCS, and NBCS also reached a positive energy balance earlier than HBCS. The greater reduction in body mass in HBCS was accompanied by greater concentrations of non-esterified fatty acids, and β-hydroxybutyrate in serum after calving than in NBCS, indicating increased lipomobilization and ketogenesis. The mean concentrations of insulin across all time-points were greater in HBCS than in NBCS. In both groups, insulin and IGF-1 concentrations were lower p.p than in a.p. Greater free thyroxine (fT4) concentrations and a lower free 3-3′-5-triiodothyronine (fT3)/fT4 ratio were observed in HBCS than in NBCS a.p., whereas p.p. fT3/fT4 ratio followed a reverse pattern. The variables indicative for oxidative status had characteristic time courses; group differences were limited to greater plasma ferric reducing ability values in NBSC. The results demonstrate that the combination of pre-selection according to BCS and differential feeding before dry-off to promote the difference was successful in obtaining cows that differ in the intensity of mobilizing body reserves. The HBCS cows were metabolically challenged due to intense mobilization of body fat, associated with reduced early lactation dry matter intake and compromised antioxidative capacity.